Meaning and Gender Differences

Abstract

This study utilizes the crowdfunding setting, and examines gender differences with regards to the perceived meaning (of donations). The crowdfunding mechanism creates a singular reciprocal interaction where motivations can be examined and compared. We show that women’s perceived meaning is more sensitive to the existence of gift rewards than that of men. When the gift incentive is nonexistent, women attribute a greater sense of meaning to their contribution, whereas this effect is largely absent or even reversed in men. Our findings have far-reaching implications in all aspects of donor retention strategies.

Keywords: meaning, donation, gender gap, support, altruistic behavior, donor retention, crowdfunding

JEL Classification: D12, D64, G40